Review Article International Ayurvedic Medical Journal ISSN:2320 5091

GLIMPSE OF ASTROLOGY IN AYURVEDA

Pal Guru Sharan
Associate Professor, NAMCH Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India
ABSTRACT
Astrology is an ancient science like Ayurveda. There are descriptions of astrology in
many ayurvedic texts indicating that astrology was also a full-fledged science in ancient times
like Ayurveda. Both branches of knowledge were ruined by foreign invaders and considered un-
scientific later on. Now, modern medical science also accepts importance of astrology in medi-
cine. It is need of today to elaborate both astrology and Ayurveda together to tackle vast health
problems of this era.
Keywords: astrology, Ayurveda, medical astrology, Jyotirvaidya

INTRODUCTION
Astrology believes in the influence
of the celestial bodies on the animals and
plants of the earth. Each and every move-
ment that occurs in the skies has its reper-
cussions on the activities that take place on
the earth. The basic premise of the astrology
is to study these changes and then seek out
measures to offset negative changes. This
can only be done by a careful study of the
chart which shows all the positions of the
main celestial bodies during the time when
the person was born. Such birth horoscope
chart is known as janma kundali. Though,
astrology cannot change anything that is in
the kundali, measures can be taken to plan
future events in such a way that there may
be very few negative repercussions of the
activity.
REVIEW
Area of total sky occupies 3600
space. There are 27 nakshatras in the sky.
Thus, each nakshatra has 360/27 i.e. 130 20
minutes space. There are 12 rashis in the
sky. Thus, each rashi has 360/12 i.e. 300
space. There are 12 rashis and 27
nakshatras in the sky. Thus, each rashi has
27/12 i.e. 2¼ nakshatras. A rashi can occu-
py one or two nakshatras and a part of an-
other nakshatra. This condition is in the case
of 9 out of 27 nakshatras. These 9
nakshatras are Kritika, Mrigasira, Punar-
vasu, Uttara, Phalguni, Chitra, Visakha, Ut-
tarashada, Dhanishta and Poorvadra. Each
nakshatra is divided into four equal quarters
known as nakshatrapad. There are
108(27×4) nakshatrapadas. One
nakshatrapad will never occupy more than
one rashi. Each nakshatrapad occupy 30 20
minutes space. Each of one has own janma
rashi and janma nakshatra. If a person
knows his janma nakshatra, he can find out
his janma rashi. If a person doesnot know

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 Pal Guru Sharan: Glimpse Of Astrology In Ayurveda

his janma nakshatra, he has to do a bit more

work to get it.
Rashis and Nakshatras1-Table No.1
Rashis Nakshatras
1. Mesha Ashwini, Bharani, First quarter of Krittika
2. Vrisha Last three quarters of Krittika, Rohini, first half of Mrigasira
3. Mithuna Second half of Mrigasira, Ardra, first three quarters of Punarvasu.
4. Karka Last quarter of Punarvasu, Pushya, Aslesha,
5. Simha Magha, Poorva Phalguni, first quarter of Uttarphalguni
6. Kanya Last three quarters of Uttarphalguni, Hasta, first half of Chitra
7. Tula Second half of Chitra, Swati, first three quarters of Visakha
8. Vrishchika Last quarter of Visakha, Anuradha, Jyeshtha
9. Dhanu Moola, Poorvashada, first quarter of Uttarshada
10. Makara Last three quarters of Uttarshada, Sravana, first half of Dhanistha
11. Kumbha Second half of Dhanistha, Satabhisha, first three quarters of
Poorvabhadra
12. Meena Last quarter of Poorvabhadra, Uttarabhadra, Revati
1
Rashis and Grahas - Table No.2
Rashis Grahas
1. Mesha(Aries) Mangal(Mars)
2. Vrisha(Tauras) Sukra(Venus)
3. Mithuna(Gemini) Budha(Mercury)
4. Karka(Cancer) Chandra(Moon)
5. Simha(Leo) Surya(Sun)
6. Kanya(Virgo) Budha(Mercury)
7. Tula (Libra) Sukra(Venus)
8. Vrishchika(Scorpio) Mangal(Mars)
9. Dhanu(Saggitarus) Guru(Jupiter)
10. Makara(Capricorn) Shani(Saturn)
11. Kumbha(Aquarius) Shani(Saturn)
12. Meena(Pisces) Guru(Jupiter)
There is a deep relation between as- been explained in Charak Samhita that
trology and Ayurveda. Now, modern medi- Punarvasu Atreya told his disciple Agnivesh
cal science also accepts the importance of – there is abnormality in nakshatras, grahas,
astrology in medicine as a new emerging chandra , surya, vayu and agni causing im-
branch medical astrology. Acharya Charak proper rasa, guna, virya, vipak and prabha-
has explained that whatever in microcosm va in medicinal plants3. It means abnormal
(man) that is in macrocosm (universe) 2. Life condition of nakshatras and grahas etc.
and death are controlled by the universe. causes abnormality in qualities of medicinal
There exists such a close relationship be- plants. Acharya Charak has mentioned that
tween the individual and the universe that no water heated by sun in the day, cooled by
knowledge of the individual can be obtained moon at night and detoxified by Agastya star
without the knowledge of universe. It has is known as hansodak which is like amrita
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 Pal Guru Sharan: Glimpse Of Astrology In Ayurveda
for drinking and bathing in Sharad ritu4. It
means sun; moon and Agastya star make
changes in the quality of water in Sharad
ritu. In punswan sanskar, Acharya Charak
has mentioned to use various drugs like
jivak, rishabhak, apamarga etc. in Pushya
nakshatra5. He has also explained to bath in
medicated water in Pushya nakshatra6.
Thus, Pushya is important nakshatra for
healthy conception. Acharya Charak has
depicted to collect the ingredients of
Pushyanuga churna in Pushya nakshatra7. It
means medicinal plants get special proper-
ties in Pushya nakshatra which should be
utilized for the treatment. Acharya Charak
has explained that mahagandh hasti agad
should be used in Pushya nakshatra to elim-
inate all problems8. It suggests that use of
medicines in Pushya nakshatra creates spe-
cial medical effects. Acharya Charak has
explained that devas, grahas, etc. enter in
human body invisibly like shadow enters
into mirror and sunrays enter into suryakant
gem9. Acharya Sushruta has mentioned in
Sushruta Samhita that vayu, surya and
Chandra of universe represent vata, pitta
and kapha of the body respectively10. Bal-
ance among activities of vayu, surya and
Chandra leads to normal state of universe.
Like that, balance among activities of vata,
Grahas and Panchmahabhuta-
Grahas Panchmahabhuta
Surya (Sun) Agni
Chandra (Moon) Jala
Mangal (Mars) Agni
Budha (Mercury) Prithvi
Guru (Jupiter) Akash
Sukra (Venus) Jala
Shani (Saturn) Vayu
Rahu -
Ketu -
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pitta and kapha leads to normal state of
body. Acharya Sushruta has mentioned the
hansodak as explained by Acharya
Charak11.
Acharya Vagbhat has frequently mentioned
about grahas, nakshatras in Astangahri-
daya. Acharya Vagbhat has explained that
when grahas are favourable i.e. situated in
favourable rashis then, disease will be easily
curable12. It means when grahas are favour-
able then severe diseases can be cured easi-
ly. But when the grahas are unfavourable
then it is difficult to cure the disease. He has
also mentioned hansodak as mentioned by
acharya Charak and Sushruta13. Acharya
Vagbhat has depicted that diseases caused
by bhutas(grahas) are agantuk rogas14. He
further explains that diseases caused by bhu-
tas(grahas) should be treated by worshiping
the unfavourable grahas15. It has been ex-
plained by acharya Vagbhat that one should
go on bed for copulation for good offspring
according to direction of mauhurtik (astrol-
ogist) 16. The astrologist knows the time
when grahas and nakshatras are favourable
to do coplulation for a good offspring for a
particular couple. He has also depicted that
one who does not see the Arundhati star near
the saptarshi in the sky, he dies within one
year17.
 Pal Guru Sharan: Glimpse Of Astrology In Ayurveda

Grahas and Tridosh-

Grahas Tridosh
Mercury, Saturn, Venus, Rahu Vata
Mars, Sun, Jupiter, Ketu Pitta
Moon, Venus, Jupiter, Saturn Kapha
Grahas and Dhatus/Upadhatus-
Grahas Dhatus/Upadhatus
Sun Asthi (Bones)
Moon Rakta (Blood)
Mars Majja (Bone marrow)
Mercury Tvacha (Skin)
Jupiter Vasa (Adipose tissue)
Venus Sukra (Semen)
Saturn Snayu (Nerves)
Grahas and Ratnas- both benefic (positive) and malefic (nega-
Jyotish Shastra believes that the movements tive) influences in a person’s life. Each
of the celestial bodies i.e. sun, moon, etc. planet (grah) has a gem that represents it
have far reaching effects on the life of the which should be worn on a special day in a
earth. Each activity that occurs on the earth special finger. Names of each planet with
is a repercussion of some activity in the their favoring gems are as follows-
skies. Gems are precious stones which exert
Planets Gems
Sun Ruby (Manikya)
Moon Pearl (Mukta)
Mercury Emerald (Panna)
Venus Diamond (Hira)
Mars Coral (Munga)
Jupiter Topaz (Pukharaj)
Saturn Saphire (Nilam)
Rahu Zircon (Gomed)
Ketu Cat’s eye (Vaidurya)
Grahas and Metals-
Grahas Metals
Sun Tamra (Copper)
Moon Rajat (Silver)
Mars Pittal (Brass)
Mercury Sisa (Lead)
Jupiter Swarna (Gold)
Venus Vanga (Tin)
Saturn Tikshna Lauha
Rahu Kansya (Bell Metal)

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 Pal Guru Sharan: Glimpse Of Astrology In Ayurveda
Ketu Kanta Lauha
Grahas and Plants-
Sun Ark (Calotropis gigantea)
Moon Palash (Butea monosperma)
Mars Khadira (Acacia catechu)
Mercury Apamarg (Achyranthes aspera)
Jupiter Ashwattha (Ficus religiosa)
Venus Audumbara (Ficus glomerata)
Saturn Shami (Prosopis eineraria)
Rahu Doorva (Cynondon dactylon)
Ketu Dharbe (Eragrostis cynosuroides)
Grahas and Diseases-
Sun Anemia, Indigestion, Fever, Cardiac problems
Moon Endocrinal imbalance, Allergy, Mental Problems, Gynecological Problems
Mars Liver Problems, Skin Problems, Constipation, Piles
Mercury Blood Pressure, Acidity, Ulcer
Jupiter Jaundice, Acidity, Palpitation, Insomania
Venus Bronchial disorder, Asthma, Cough, Dyspepsia, Sexual Problems
Saturn Neurosis, Sciatica, Rheumatism
Rahu Hyperacidity, Brain Disorder, Sexual Excessiveness, Alcoholism
Ketu Skin Problems, Nervous Debility, Urinary Tract Infection
Rashis and Tridosh-
Rashis Tridosh
Gemini, Virgo, Libra, Capricorn, Aquarius Vata
Aries, Leo, Sagittarius, Scorpio Pitta
Taurus, Cancer, Pisces Kapha
Rashis and Body Parts-
In Jyotish Shastra, human is known as kaal- to know which rashi a person is born in. The
purusha i.e. an embodiment of the being following chart shows the body parts that
governed by time. This kaalpurusha is gov- are influenced by the twelve rashis.
erned by rashis. Hence, it is very important
Rashi Body Parts
Mesha Head
Vrisha Face
Mithuna Throat, Bronchial Region
Karka Lungs and upper parts of heart
Simha Stomach and lower parts of heart
Kanya Naval
Tula Intestines
Vrishchika Sex organs
Dhanu Thighs
Makar Knees
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 Pal Guru Sharan: Glimpse Of Astrology In Ayurveda
Kumbha Calves
Meena Feet
Nakshatras and Body Parts-
Various nakshatras affects our different body parts.
Nakshatras Body Parts
Kritika Head
Rohini Forehead
Mrigashira Eyebrows
Ardra Eye
Punarvasu Nose
Pushya Face
Ashlesha Ears
Magha Lips
Poorva Phalguna Right Hand
Uttara Phalguna Left Hand
Hasta Fingers
Chitra Neck
Swati Chest
Vishakha Breast
Anuradha Upper Stomach
Jyeshtha Lower Stomach
Moola Womb
Poorvashada Back
Uttarashada Backbone
Shravana Waist
Dhanishtha Anus
Shatabhisha Right Thigh
Poorva Bhadrapad Left Thigh
Uttara Bhadrapad Calves
Revati Knees
Ashwani Upper part of feet
Bharani Lower part of feet
Metals and gems have not been very much both astrology and Ayurveda can treat the
mentioned in vrihat trayis i.e. Charak Sam- recalcitrant diseases. Padmasri
hita, Sushruta Samhita and Ashtanga hri- P.R.Krishnakumar, head of Arya Vaidya
daya. Metals18 and gems19 have been men- Pharmacy Coimbatore, Taminladu, India has
tioned in Rasatarangini. Metals20 and deep knowledge of both astrology and Ayur-
gems21 have been also mentioned in Rasa- veda. Hippocrates, father of modern medi-
ratna Samuchchaya. cine also emphasized on the knowledge of
CONCLUSION astrology for doctors. He said that a physi-
There is a deep relation between astrology cian without knowledge of astrology has no
and Ayurveda. One who has knowledge of right to call himself a physician. Thus, it is
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 Pal Guru Sharan: Glimpse Of Astrology In Ayurveda
need of today to elaborate the astrological
part of Ayurveda to produce modern vaidyas
(jyotirvaidyas).
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 Pal Guru Sharan: Glimpse Of Astrology In Ayurveda

21. Vagbhatacharya, Rasaratna samuchcha-

ya, Kaviraj Sri Ambikadatta Sastri, edi- CORRESPONDING AUTHOR
tor, Reprint 2003, Chaukhambha Pal Guru Sharan
Amarbharati Prakashan, Varanasi, 4/6, p. Designation- Associate Professor,
85 NAMCH Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India
Email: dr.gspal@gmail.com

Source of Support: Nil

Conflict of Interest: None Declared

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